The judge's ruling has dealt a setback to New Jersey's efforts to save its struggling casino industry.

The judge's ruling released late Thursday night has dealt a setback to New Jersey's efforts to save its struggling casino industry by tapping into a multibillion-dollar market.

Last year, Christie challenged a 1992 federal law prohibiting sports gambling in all but Nevada and three other states. He had hoped to issue licenses to sports betting operators in New Jersey by early this year.

The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA sued last year to stop New Jersey's plans.

Christie said through a spokesman Friday that he still believes the federal ban is unconstitutional and that an appeals court will side the New Jersey.